Connecter actuating and locking device



April 3, 1934.

D. w. sHu-:K

CONNECTER ACTUATING AND LOCKING DEVICE Filed Oct. 26, 1932 3 Sheets-Sheet l April 3, 1934. D. w. sHlEK 1,953,823

CONNECTER ACTUATING AND LOCKING DEVICE Filed Oct. 26.v 19,52

3 Sheets-Sheet 2 l V I/l//l I V/ CAM PLATE fra/enfle?" ML2/71655: czzz'el Zd /LLS April 3, 1934- D. w. sHlEK i 1,953,823

CONNECTER ACTUATING AND LOCKING DEVICE Filed Oct. 26, 1932 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 frzvengar Patented Apr. 3, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CONNECTER ACTUATING AND LOCKING DEVICE Daniel W. Shiek, Aurora, Ill., assigner to The Miller-Bryant-Pierce Company, Aurora, Ill., a ll corporation of Illinois Application October 26, 1932, Serial No. 639,727

22 Claims. (Cl. 20G-4Z) This invention relates to a connecter actuating device and lock mechanism therefor, and particularly to a device for transmitting motion from the manually actuated portion thereof to the element to be operated, and to means for preventing operation of the manually actuated portion by unauthorized persons.

The illustrative embodiment of the present invention is shown in conjunction with, and for actuating. the connecter of an ignition switch operatively related to the contacts of an ignition coil adapted for use in the ignition system of an automobile.

One object of the present invention is to provide a combination lock mechanism which may be manually released to permit movement of a connecter for any desired purpose as in the present instance, for example, to connect the terminals of an ignition coil.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for locking the manually operated portion of the device against movement when the connecter is either in or out of contact connecting position.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure wherein a portion of the mechanism may be released and the connecter moved out of contact engaging position without operating the manually actuated means employed for moving the connecter into contact engaging position.

Another object of the invention is to provide a structure wherein the manually operated contact actuating means may be locked and the device protected against dismantling whether the connecter is in or out of contact engaging position.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device wherein the manually actuated portion thereof may be released from locked position by the manipulation of a plurality or combination of elements for moving the contact connecter in one direction only.

A further object of the invention is to provide means for retaining the manually operated means in a position to prevent operation of the locking means when desired.

A still further object of the invention is to improve devices of the character described in sundry details hereinafter referred to and particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

One embodiment of the present invention is shown for illustrative purposes in the accompanylng drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a front elevational view of a structure illustrating portions of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional plan view taken substantially as indicated by the line 2--2 of Figs. 1 and 3, and illustrating the application of the present invention to the actuating and controlling of the switch mechanism of an ignition coil;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional elevation of the structure illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, and taken substantially as indicated by the lines 3-2-3 thereof;

Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 4 4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional elevation taken substantially as indicated by the line 5-5 in Figs. 2 and 3;

Fig. 6 is a transverse fragmentary sectional elevation taken substantially as indicated by the line 6--6 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 7 is a detailed View, partly in section, of a bracket for supporting an insulating disc and electrical connecter as illustrated in Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 11, the View shown in Fig. 7 being taken as indicated by the line 7 7` of Fig. 3;

Fig. 8 is a front elevational View, partly in section, illustrating the actuating member in changed position, with the electrical connecter, shown by dotted lines, in contact engaging position;

Fig. 9 is a detail sectional elevation showing a portion of the locking mechanism and taken substantially as indicated by the line 9--9 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 10 is also a detail sectional elevation showing a portion of the locking mechanism and taken substantially as indicated by the line 10--10 of Fig. l; and

Fig. 11 is a perspective View of an assembly embodying a portion of the present invention and comprising a bearing member, bracket, insulating disc and connecter carried thereby, and showing the relationship of a spring detent carried by the bracket, and operatively related to the bearing member for retaining the connecter in contact engaging position.

Referring to the drawings, it will be observed that the illustrative embodiment of the invention is shown in conjunction with a spark coil indicated as a whole by the numeral 15 and comprising a body portion of insulating material 16 having the usual electrical contacts 17 mounted thereon, and that the present invention associated with the coil comprises a housing indicated as a whole by the numeral 18 surrounding the body of the coil 15 and extending a substantial distance beyond one end thereof.

The housing 18, in the present instance, comprises a tubular member 19, a flanged collar 21 secured thereto by means of rivets 22, a relatively heavy ring 23 secured to the flange of the collar 21 by means of rivets 24 (Fig. 2) and a facing or finishing ring 26 secured to the ring 23 by means of screws 27 (Fig. 3), the flange ol' the collar 21 having ears 25 (Figs. 2 and 4) formed thereon for securing the device to a suitable support as, for example, to the instrument board of a motor vehicle.

Mounted in the housing 18, in spaced relation with respect to the adjacent end of the coil 15 and contacts 17 mounted thereon, is a bearing member 28 secured against angular displacement with respect to the housing 18 by means of annularly spaced projections 29 (Fig. 4) formed on the adjacent edges portion of the tubular member 19 and extending into annularly spaced notches or recesses 31 (Figs. 4 and 11) formed in the edge of the bearing member 28.

Rotatably mounted in the bearing member 28 is a hollow shaft 32 (Figs. 2 and 7) having, at one end thereof, a reduced portion 33 on which is mounted, at one side of the bearing member 28, a bracket 34 having a centrally positioned aperture formed therein to receive the reduced end portion 33 of the shaft 32, and having radially extending recesses into which a portion of the reduced end 33 is forced to provide a driving connection between the shaft 32 and the bracket 34 in a manner to insure rotation of the bracket 34 with the shaft 32, as clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 7.

Formed on the bracket 34 are a plurality of annularly spaced substantially parallel arms 36 adapted to be positioned in annularly spaced notches or recesses 37 formed in a disc 38 of insulating material (Figs. 2, 8 and 11) adjacent a centrally positioned aperture 39 formed in the insulating disc, the ends of the arms 36 being bent outwardly as indicated at 41 in Figs. 2 and 11 for securing the disc 38 against displacement with respect to the bracket 34.

Mounted on the disc 38 by means of fingers 42 engaging annularly spaced recesses 43 formed in the periphery of the disc 38 (Figs. 2, 3 and 11) is an electrical connecter indicated as a whole by the numeral 44 formed of current conducting material and provided with a plurality of spring fingers 46 having contact surfaces 47 formed thereon adjacent the free ends thereof and adapted for engagement with the contacts 17 of the coil 15. The connecter 44 is also provided with a centrally disposed opening or aperture 48 (Figs. 2 and 1l) adapted to receive the outwardly bent portions 41 of the arms 35 in a manner to space the arms from the connecter and to maintain the connecter completely insulated from the bracket 34.

It will be observed that by such an arrangement the connecter 44 is rigidly mounted on the insulating disc 38 in spaced relation with respect to the bracket 34, and that the resiliency of the spring lingers 46 serves to urge and maintain the contact surfaces 47 in engagement with the coil contacts 17 when in contact therewith.

Secured to the opposite end of the hollow shaft 32 at the opposite side of the bearing member 28 is a nn supporting member 49 having a laterally extending iin 51 (Figs. 3 and 4) mounted or formed thereon in radially spaced relation with respect to the axial line of said shaft 82, the fin supporting member 49 being secured to the shaft 32 by means of struck out portions 5() formed on the shaft engaging radially extending recesses formed in the member 49, as clearly shown in Fig. 2.

It will be observed from the foregoing description that as the 1in supporting member 49 and hollow shaft 32 are rotated in the bearing member 28, the bracket 34, insulating disc 38 and electrical connecter 44 will be rotated therewith in a manner to rnove the contact surfaces 47 of the connecter 44 into and out of engagement with the coil contacts 17 as clearly shown in Fig. 5 where the contact surfaces 47 are out `of engagement with the contacts 17, and in dotted lines in Fig. 8 where the conta-ct surfaces 47 are in engagement with the coil contacts 17.

For rotating the connecter 44 to move the contact surfaces 47 into engagement with the contacts 17 of the coil 15, a bearing or cam plate 52 is secured to the housing 18, preferably to the facing or icinishing ring 25 thereof by means of screws 53 (Figs. l, 2 and 8) and mounted adjacent the outer or exposed side of the plate 52 is a rotatable actuating member indicated as a whole by the numeral adapted to cover the screws 53 when in normal position, and having a laterally extending portion or trunnion 55 extending through a circular aperture 57 formed in the plate 52 clearly shown Fig. 2. At the opposite side of the bearing or cam plate 52 and secured to the laterally extending portion or trunnion 55 of the actuat" member 54 by means of a pin 58 is a beari 59 having a step portion extending radi y beyond the aperture 57 at one side of the plate 52 and having a reduced portion extending into the aperture 57 to obtain a bearing therein as clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 3. Mounted on the bearing disc 59 in radially spaced relation wih respect to the central or axial portion thereof is a stud or lug 61 positioned to overlap and engage the fin 5l on the fin supporting member 49, as clearly shown in Figs. 3 and 4, when the actuating member 54 and bearing disc 59 are rotated in a clockwise direction (Figs. l and 4).

ft will be observed from the foregoing description that with the parts described in their respective positions shown in Figs. 1 to 7, inclusive, and Fig. l1, the rotation cf the actuating member 54 in a clockwise direction indicated by the arrows 62 in Fig. 1, to position shown in Fig. 8, the bearing disc 59 by reason of the pin 58 will be rotated and the stud 81 mounted thereon, by reason of its engage-nent with one edge of the iin 51 on the nn supporting member 49, will rotate the hollow shaft 32, bracket insulating disc 38 and electrical connecter 44 and move the contact surfaces 47 thereof into engagement with the coil contacts 17 as shown by dotted lines in Fig. 8, thereby establishing an operative connection between the contacts of the spark coil. After establishing this connection and upon releasing the actuating member 54, the stud 6l, bearing disc 59 and actuating member 54 will be returned to their initial or normal position shown in Figs. 1, 4 and 6 by a spring 63 (Figs. 2, 3- and 6) having one of its end portions positioned in a socket formed in the hub of the bearing dise 59 as illustrated in Fig. 6, and its opposite end portion hooked around a bolt 64 mounted in the bearing or cam plate 52 (Figs. 2 and 6).

For retaining the contact surfaces 47 of the connecter 44 in engagement with the coil contacts 17 after the actuating member 54 has been released and returned to its normal or initial position by the spring 63, as above described, a

fiat spring 66 is provided and shown, in the present instance, as formed integrally with the bracket 34 and extending outwardly and laterally therefrom. The iiat spring 66 is provided at its outer free end with a detent or dog 67 adapted to enter and extend partially through a radially positioned aperture 68 formed in the bearing member 28 (Figs. 3, 4 and 11). When it is desired to disconnect the contacts 17, a release plunger 69, slidably mounted in an aperture 71 formed in the bearing or cam plate 52 and having its inner end portion extending into and partially through the aperture 68,` may be pressed inwardly by the operator in a manner to push the `detent 67 out of the aperture, after which a spring 72 (Figs. 2, 3 and 4) having one of its end portions extending through and secured to a lug 73 mounted on the 1in supporting member 49, and its opposite end secured to a bolt 74 mounted on the bearing member 28, will act to rotate the iin supporting member 49 and hollow shaft 32, thereby returning the bracket 34, insulating disc 38 and connecter 44 to their initial or normal positions, with the contact surfaces 47 out of engagement with the coil contacts 17 as shown in Fig. 5, the return movement of the parts being limited to a predetermined amount by a stop lug 76 carried by a portion of the bearing member 28 and extending into the path of a pair of laterally extending projections 77 and 78 formed on the bracket 84 as clearly shown in Fig. 7, the engagement of the projection 77 with the lug 76 serving to position the contact surfaces 47 of the connecter 44 between the coil contacts 17 as illustrated in Fig. 5.

For securing the device in inoperative position and against operation by unauthorized persons, a lock mechanism is provided and shown in the present instance as mounted in the actuating member 54. The lock member of the present structure includes the bearing or cam plate 52 having a concentric cam surface 79 and an eccentric cam surface 81 formed adjacent its edge portion, see Figs. 1, 2 and 8, the said cam surfaces being adapted to be engaged by the end portion 82 of an arm indicated as a whole by the numeral 83 and pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on a pivot pin 84 carried by the actuating member 54, the opposite end portion 86 of the arm being adapted to engage a rectangular notch 87 formed in one edge of a locking bar 88 slidably mounted in the actuating member 54 as clearly shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 10. A spring 89 is wrapped around the head of the pivot pin 84 and operatively related to the end portion 82 of the arm 83 and to a portion of the actuating member 54 in a manner to urge the end portion 82 of the arm toward and into engagement with the cam surfaces 79 and 81, as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 10.

The slidable locking bar 88 is provided on its opposite longitudinal edges with a plurality of longitudinally spaced recesses or notches 91 adapted to receive lugs 92 formed on a plurality of tumblers 93 (Figs. 1, 3 and 9), certain of the lugs 92 being shown in Fig. 1 as normally out of engagement with the notches 91 and certain other of the lugs 92 being shown normally in engagement with the notches formed in the slidable locking bar 88 for controlling the position thereof to prevent unauthorized operation of the device.

For controlling the position of the tumblers 93, a plurality of push buttons 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101 and102 are slidably mounted in and positioned on opposite sides of the actuating member 54 and operatively related to the respective tumblers 93 by an annular groove and lug connection indicated at 103 in Fig. 9, the push buttons being adapted to be pressed inwardly against the action of springs 104 which normally hold the buttons in their distended or outward positions. It will be noted by reference to Fig. 1 that the lugs 92 of the tumblers 93 controlled by the push buttons 94, 100 and 97 are normally positioned in certain of the recesses 91 formed in the locking bar 88, thereby preventing a sliding movement thereof, and that by reason of the relationship and position of the pivoted arm 83 (Figs. 1 and 2) with respect to the locking bar 88 and the eccentric cam surface 81, any attempt to rotate the actuating member 54 in a clockwise direction (Fig. l), to move the contact surfaces 47 of the connecter 44 into engagement with the coil contacts 17, will be resisted by the eccentric cam surface 81, thereby preventing unauthorized operation of the device. It will be observed, however, that by pressing the push buttons 94, 100 and 97 inwardly, the lugs 92 on the tumblers 93 controlled by the push buttons 94.-, 100 and 97 will be moved out of engagement with their respective notches of the locking bar 88 and permit the bar to slide longitudinally of the actuating member 54 asV the end portion 82 of the pivot arm 83 is cammed or moved outwardly by the eccentric cam surface 81 and onto the concentric cam surface 79 when the actuating member 54 is rotated in a clockwise direction as indicated by the arrows 62 in Fig. 1, thereby permitting the actuating member 54 to assume the position shown in Fig. 8 and `moving the contact surfaces 47 of the connecter 44 into engagement with the coil contacts 17, after which as previously explained, the contact surfaces 47 may be maintained in coil contact engaging position by the spring actuated detent 67 engaging the aperture 68 formed in the bearing member 28, and upon releasing the push buttons 94, 100 and 97, the actuating member 54 will be returned to its normal or initial position shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 under the influence of the spring 63 in the manner previously described, and by reason of the end portion 82 of the pivot arm 83 being maintained in contact with the cam surfaces 79 and 81 by the spring 89, and the engagement of the end portion 86 of the arm with the rectangular notch 87 formed in the locking bar 88, the bar will be moved longitudinally to its normal or initial position, at which time, the springs 104 will act to move the push buttons 94, 100 and 97 outwardly in a manner to position the lugs 92 of the tumblers 93 associated therewith in the adjacent notches or recesses 91 formed in the opposite edges of the locking bar 88. A more complete description of the structure relating to the locking bar, tumblers and push buttons, and the operation thereof may be obtained by reference to my patent for locking device, No. 1,652,644, issued December 13, 1927.

If found desirable, the lock mechanism carried by the actuating member 54 may be rendered inoperative to secure the connecter 44 against rotation, as, for example, when parking the vehicle in a garage or the like, where it might be necessary for attendants to operate the engine of 'the vehicle, and for this purpose, a lever 106 is pivotally mounted on the cam plate 52 by means of a pivot pin 107, and is provided adjacent one of its ends with a hand crank 108 by which the lever may be readily rotated about its pivot, while the opposite end of the lever is provided with a laterally extending projection 109 adapted to eX- tend into the path of the actuating member 54 when the lever 195 is swung to the position illustrated in Fig. 8, thereby forming a stop for limiting the return or counterclockwise movement of the actuating member 54 as viewed in Fig. 8, and preventing the end portion 82 of the arm 83 rorn reaching a position adjacent the extreme lower end of the eccentric cam surface Sl. Such a limited movement of the member 5e and end portion 82 of the arm 83 prevents suicient longitudinal movement or" the locking bar 88 with respect to the actuating member 511 to en able the lugs 92 of the tuinblers 93 to enter the notches 9i of the locking bar 88 and thereby secure the bar against endwise movement.

It will be observed that by the arrangement described, the projection ille will prevent moveinent of the actuating member 54 to its horizontal, normal or lock fr position, but will permit movement of member 54 to an extent which Will permit the contact surfaces e7 to be disengaged from the coil contacts 17, and that a garage attendant, although not knowing the proper combination or buttons to be pressed in order to release the lock mechanism, may rotate the actuating member 5ft and contacts li7 into engagement with the coil contacts l'l, thereby enabling hir to operate the vehicle, after which the plunger` 69 may be moved inwardly to force the detent 67 out of the aperture 6o formed in the plate 28 and permit the spring 72 to rotate the connecter in a counterclocliwise direction (Fig. 8) and move the contact surfaces 47 out of engagement with the coil contacts 17.

.T t will be observed from the foregoing description that the present invention provides a novel construction and arrangement for operating a connecter and for sec rely locking the connecter against operation by unauthorized persons.

Obviously, the present invention is not limited to the recise construction and arrangement shown and described as tie same may be variously modiiied. Moreover, all they features of the invention need not be used conjointly as the same may be used to advantage in variously different combinations and sub-combinations.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

in a device of class described, the conibination of a housing, a rotatable connecter mounted therein, said connect-ei` having a plurality of spring rlngers and contact surfaces formed integrally therewith, a manually actuated rotatable lock member outside said housing and operatively related to said connecter for rotating the connecter within the housing in one direction, lock mechanism for securing said member against movement, and means for automatically moving the connecter in the opposite direction independently of lock member.

2. n a device oi the class described, the coinbination oi a housing, a rotatable connecter mounted therein, a manually actuated rotatable lock member outside said housing and operatively related to said connecter for rotating the connecter Within the housing in one direction, a combination lock mechanism for securing said member against movement in a direction to rotate said connecter, and resilient means for moving the connecter in the opposite direction independently of said loci: member.

3 n a device of the class described, the combinat.

mounted therein, a manually actuated rotatable lock member outside said housing and operatively related to said connecter for manually rotating the connecter Within the housing in one direction, lock mechanism for securing said member against movement in a direction to manually rotate said connecter, and means for automatically moving the connecter and manually actuated member in the opposite dr'ection.

4. In a device of the class described, the combination of a housing, a rotatable connecter mounted therein, a manually actuated rotatable lock member outside said housing, cooperable means operatively related to said connecter and member, respectively, for rotating the connecter when saii lock member is rotated in one direction, and resilient means operatively related to connecter and member, respectively, for automatically rotating the connecter and lock member in the opposite direction.

5. In a device of the class described, the combination oi a housing, a movable connecter mounted therein, a manually actuated member outside said housing, relatively movable elements cooperable h each other and operatively related to said connecter and member, respectively, for positively moving the connecter when said manuaily actuated member is moved in one direction, independent resilient means operatively related to said connecter and manually actuated member, respectively, for moving the connecter and member in the opposite direction, and loci: mechanism for securing said manually actuated meniber against movement in a direction to rotate said connecter.

6. In a device of the class described, the combination ci a housing, a bearing member mounted therein, a shai't rotatably mounted in said niember, a connecter operatively related to and adapted to rotate with said shaft, a iin-supporting member having a nn mounts thereon secured to said shaft, an apertured bearing plate mounted in said housing, an actuating member on one side of said plate, a bearing `risc at the opposite side of the plate secured to said actuating member and rotatably mounted in the aperture formed in said plate, a stud mounted on said disc in a manner to engage said nn for rotating'said finsupporting member, shaft and connecter when said actuating member and bearing disc are rotated.

7. n a device of class described, the coinbination of a housing, a bearing member mounted therein, a shaft rotatably mounted in said meniber, a connecter operatively related to one end or said shaft at one side of said member and adapted to rotate With a iin-supporting member having a iin mounted thereon secured to the other end ci? said shaft at the opposite side ci said bearing` Joer, an epertured bearing plate mounted said housing, an actuating inember on one si e of plate, a bearing disc at tie opposite side ci plate secured to said actuating member and rotatably mounted in the aperture formed in said plate, a stud mounted on said disc in a manner to engage said rin for rotating said iin-supporting member, shaft and connecter in one direction when actuating member and disc are rotated in one direction, and resilient means operatively related to said iin-supporting member and disc, resp-cctively, for rotating said connecter and actuating member in the opposite direction.

8. ln a device o F the class described, the corn- 1on of a housing, a lOtatabl@ CODDSCGT bination of a housing, abearing member mounted puo kal

therein, a shaft rotatably mounted in said member, a connecter operatively related to one end of said shaft at one side of said member and adapted to rotate with said shaft, a iin-supporting member having a 1in mounted thereon secured to the other end of said shaft at the opposite side of said bearing member, an apertured bearing plate mounted in said housing, an actuating member on one side of said plate, a bearing disc at the opposite side of said plate secured to said actuating member and rotatably mounted. in the aperture formed in said plate, a stud mounted on said disc in a manner to engage said n for rotating said fin-supporting member, shaft and connecter in one direction when said actuating member and disc are rotated in one direction, resilient means for moving said stud out of engagement with said fm when said actuating member is released, retaining means operatively related to said connecter and bearing member for retaining the connecter in position after the stud is moved from engagement with said iin, manually operated means for releasing said retaining means, and resilient means operatively related to said iin- 'supporting member and bearing member for rotating said connecter in the opposite direction when said retaining means is released.

9. In a device or" the class described, the cornbination oi a housing, a bearing member having a centrally disposed aperture formed therein and mounted in said housing, a shaft rotatablyA mounted in saidmember, a bracket mounted on one end of said shaft at one side of said member and adapted to rotate with the shaft, a disc of 'insulating material carried by said bracket, a

connecter mounted on said disc in spaced relation with respect to said bracket and connected to the disc in a manner to rotate therewith and with said bracket and shaft, a fin-supporting member having a fin mounted thereon secured to the other end of said shaft at the opposite side of said member, an apertured bearing plate mounted in said housing, an actuating member on one side oi? said plate, a bearing disc at the opposite side of said plate secured to said actuating member and rotatably mounted in the aperture formed in said plate, a stud mounted on said bearing disc in a manner to engage said fin for rotating said fin-supporting member, shaft and connecter in one direction when said actu ating member and bearing disc are rotated in one direction, resilient means for moving said stud out of engagement with said fin when said actuating member is released, a spring actuated detent mounted on said bracket and engageable with a portion of said bearing member for retaining the connecter in position after the stud is moved from engagement with said nn, manually operated means slidably mounted in said bearing plate and engageable with said detent lor moving it out of engagement with said bearing member for releasing the detent, and resilient means operatively relshted to said n-supporting member and bearing member for rotating said bracket, insulating disc and connecter in the opposite direction when said detent is released.

10. In a device of the class described, the com bination of a housing, a bearing member having a centrally disposed aperture and a radially spaced aperture formed therein and mounted in said housing, a shaft rotatably mounted in said member, a bracket mounted Von onelend of said shaft at one side of said member and adapted to rotate with the shaft, a disc of insulating material carried by saidbracket, a connecter mounted on said disc in spaced relation with respect to said bracket and connected to the disc in a man#- ner to rotate therewith and with said bracket` and shaft, a Tin-supporting member having a radially spaced fin formed integrally therewith secured to the other end of said shaft at the opposite side oi' member, an apertured bearing plate mounted in said housing, an actuating member on one side of said plate, a bearing disc at the opposite side of said plate secured to said actuating member and rotatably mounted in the aperture formed in said plate, a radially spaced stud mounted on said bearing disc in a manner to engage said fin for rotating said iin-supporting member, shaft and connecter in one direction when said actuating member and bearing disc are rotated in one direction, resilient means for moving said stud out of engagement with said fin when said actuating member is released, a spring actuated detent mounted on said bracket and engageable with the radially spaced aperture formed in said bearing member for retaining the connecter in position after the studris moved from engagement with said iin, manually operated means slidably mounted in said bearing plate and bearing member and engageable with said detent for moving it out of the radially spaced aperture formed in said bearing member for releasing the detent, and resilient means operatively related to `said irl-supporting member and bearing member for rotating said bracket, insulating disc and connecter in the opposite direction when said detent is released.

1l. n a device of the class described, the combination of a housing, a bearing member having a centrally disposed aperture and a radially spaced aperture formed therein and mounted in said housing, a shaft rotatably mounted in said member, a bracket having laterally extending projections formed thereon mounted on one end of said shaft at one side of said member and adapted to rotate with the shaft, a disc of insulating material carried by said bracket, an electrical connecter mounted on said disc in spaced relation with respect to said bracket and connected to the disc in a manner to rotate therewith and with said bracket and shaft, spring fingers having contact surfaces formed integrally with said connecter, a nii-supporting member having a radially spaced n formed integrally therewith secured to the other end of said shaft at the opposite side of said member, an apertured bearing plate mounted in said housing, an actuating member on one side of said plate, a bearing disc secured to said actuating member and rotatably mounted in the aperture formed in said plate, a radially spaced stud mounted on said bearing disc in a manner to engage said iin for rotating said n-supporting member, shaft, bracket and connecter in one direction when said actuating member and bearing disc are rotated in one direction, resilient means for moving said stud out of engagement with said 1in when said actuating member is released, a spring actuated detent mounted on said bracket and engageable with the radially spaced aperture formed in said bearing member for retaining the connecter in position after the stud is moved from engagement with said iin, a manually operated plunger slidably mounted in said bearing plate and bearing member and engageable with said detent `for moving it out of the radially spaced aperture formed in said bearing member for releasing the detent, resilient means operatively related to said n-supporting member and bearing member for iio iso

iso

rotating said bracket, insulating disc and connecter in the opposite direction when said detent is released, and a stop lug carried by said bearing member and extending into the path of movement of the projections formed on said bracket for limiting the movement of the bracket, insulating disc and connecter.

12. In a device of the class described., the combination of a housing, a bearing member mounted therein, a shaft rotatably mounted in said member, a connecter operatively related to and adapted to rotate with said shaft, a cam plate having an aperture formed therein mounted in said housing said plate having concentric and eccentric cam portions formed thereon, an actuating member on one side of said plate, a bearing disc at the opposite side of the plate secured to said actuating member and rotatably mounted in the aperture formed in said plate, lock mechanism carried by said actuating member comprising a locking bar having a rectangular notch formed therein and a plurality of spaced recesses formed in one edge thereof, an arm pivotally mounted on said actuating member and engageable With the notch formed in said bar and with said concentric and eccentric cam portions, a plurality of tumblers engageable with said recesses, a plurality of buttons for actuating said tumblers to permit rotation of said actuating member and bearing disc, and means mounted on said disc and operatively connectible to said shaft for rotating said connecter when said actuating member and disc are rotated.

13. In a device of the class described, the combination of a housing, a bearing member mounted therein, a shaft rotatably mounted in said member, a connecter operatively related to and adapted to rotate with said shaft, a cam plate having concentric and eccentric cam portions formed thereon adjacent its cuter edge, said plate being secured in said housing and having an aperture formed therein adjacent its central portion in substantially axial alignment with said shaft, an actuating member on one side of said plate outside said housing, a bearing disc at the opposite side of the plate secured to said actuating member and rotatably mounted in the axially aligned aperture formed in said plate, lock mechanism carried by said actuating member comprising a locking bar having a rectangular notch formed therein adjacent one end thereof and a plurality of longitudinally spaced recesses formed in one edge thereof, an arm pivotally mounted on said actuating member and engageable with the notch formed in said bar and With said. concentric and eccentric cam portions, a plurality of tumblers engageable with said recesses for controlling the position of said bar, a plurality of buttons for moving said tumblers out of engagement with said ,recesses to permit rotation? of said actuating member and bearing disc, and means mounted on said disc and operatively connectible to said shaft for rotating said connecter when said actuating member and disc are rotated in one direction.

14. In a device of the class described, the combination of a housing, a bearing member mounted therein, a shaft rotatably mounted in said member, a connecter operatively related to and adapted to rotate with said shaft, a cam plate l`having an aperture formed therein mounted in said housing, said plate having concentric and eccentric cam portions formed thereon adjacent its outer edge, an actuating member on one side of said plate outside said housing, a bearing disc at the opposite side of the plate secured to said actuating member and rotatably mounted in the aperture formed in said plate, lock mechanism carried by said actuating member comprising a locking bar slidably mounted in the actuating member and having a notch formed therein adjacent one end thereof and a plurality or" longitudinally spaced recesses formed in its opposite longitudinal edges, an arm pivotally mounted on said actuating member and engageable with the notch formed in said bar and With said concentric and eccentric cam portions, a plurality of tumblers engageable with said recesses, a plurality of buttons at opposite sides of the actuating member for controlling the position of said tumblers to permit rotation of said actuating member and bearing disc, and means mounted on said disc and operatively connectible to said shaft for rotating said connecter when said actuating member and disc are rotated in one direction.

l5. In a device of the class described, the combination with a spark coil having a plurality of electrical contacts mounted in its body portion, oi a housing surrounding one end of said body portion, a bearing member mounted in said housing, a shaft rotatably mounted in said member, a connecter operatively related to and electrically insulated from said shaft and adapted to rotate therewith, said connecter having a plurality of contact surfaces engageable with a portion of the coil body and said coil contacts, a cam plate having an aperture formed therein mounted in said housing, said plate having concentric and eccentric cam portions formed thereon, an actuating member on one side of said plate, a bearing disc the opposite side of the plate secured to said actuating member and rotatably mounted in the aperture formed in said plate, lool; mechanism carried by said actuating member comprising a locking bar having a notch formed therein and a plurality of spaced recesses formed in one edge i thereof, an arm pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on said actuatingmember and engageable at one of its ends with the notch formed in said bar and at its opposite end with said concentric and eccentric cam portions, a plurality of tumblers engageable With said recesses, a plurality of buttons for actuating said tumblers to permit rotation of said actuating member and bearing disc, and means mounted on said disc and operatively connectible to said shaft for rotating said connecter to electrically connect the coil contacts when said actuating member and disc are rotated in one direction.

16. In a device of the class described, the combination with a spark coil having a plurality of therein mounted in said housing, said plate having concentric and eccentric cam portions formed thereon, an actuating member on one side of said plate, a bearing disc at the opposite side of the plate secured to said actuating member and rotatably mounted in the aperture formed in said plate, lock mechanism carried by said actuating member comprising a lock bar slidably mounted in the actuating member and having a notch formed in one edge adjacent one of its end por- 'Sil tions and a plurality of longitudinally spaced recesses formed in its opposite edges, an arm pivotally mounted on said actuating member and engageable With the notch formed in said bar and with said concentric and eccentric cam portions, a plurality of tumblers slidably mounted in said actuating member and engageable with said recesses, a plurality of spring pressed buttons mounted in said actuating member for controlling the position of said tumblers to permit movement of said bar under the influence of said arm against said cam surfaces as the actuating member is turned to rotate said bearing disc, and means mounted on said disc and operatively connectible to said shaft for rotating said connecter when said actuating member and disc are rotated in one direction. i

17. In a device of the class described, the combination with a spark coil having a plurality of electrical contacts mounted in its body portion,

of a housing surrounding one end of said body portion, a bearing member mounted in said housing, a shaft rotatably mounted in said member, an electrical connecter operatively related to and electrically insulated from said shaft and adapted to rotate therewith on one side of said bearing member, said connecter having a plurality of spring fingers and Contact surfaces mounted thereon engageable' vvith said coil contacts, a fin supporting member having a n mounted thereon secured to said shaft at the opposite side of said bearing member, a cam plate having an aperture formed therein secured in said housing, said plate having concentric and eccentric cam portions formed thereon, an actuating member on one side of said plate, a bearing disc at the opposite side of the plate secured to said actuating member and rotatably mounted in the aperture formed in said plate, lock mechanism carried by said actuating member comprising a locking bar having a notch formed therein and a plurality of spaced recesses formed in its opposite edges, an arm pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on said actuating member and engageable at one of its ends with the notch formed in said bar and at its opposite end with said concentric and eccentric cam portions, a plurality of tumblers engageable with said recesses, a plurality of push buttons on opposite sides of said actuating member for moving said tumblers out or engagement with said recesses to permit the sliding of said locking bar and the rotation of said actuating member and bearing disc, and a stud mounted on said disc and engageable with the n of the fin-supporting member secured to said shaft for rotating said connecter when said actuating member and disc are rotated in one direction.

18. In a device of the class described, the combination of housing, a rotatable connecter mounted therein., a manually actuated rotatable lock member outside said housing and operatively related to said connecter for rotating the connecter Within the housing in one direction, lock mechanism for securing said member in its normal position only and against movement in a direction to rotate said connecter, resilient means for moving the connecter and manually actuated member in the opposite direction toward their normal positions, and a manually adjustable stop for preventing said manually actuated Vmember from assuming its normal position.

19. In a device of the class described, the combination of a housing, a rotatable connecter mounted therein, a manually actuated rotatable member outside said housing and operatively related to said connecter for rotating the connecter Within the housing in one direction, lock mechanism mounted on said manually actuated member for securing the member in its normal position only and against movement in a direction to rotate said connecter, a pair of springs for moving the connecter and. manually actuated member respectively in the opposite direction tovvard their normal positions, and a manually adjustable stop for preventing said manually actuated member from assuming its normal position and preventing the operation of said lock mechanism.

20. In a device of the class described, the combination with a plurality of contacts, of a housing surrounding said contacts, a rotatable connecter mounted in said housing and having a plurality of surfaces engageable with said conta-cts, a manually actuated membe` operatively related to said connecter and rotatable in one direction outside said housing for rotating the connecter in one direction Within the housing to position said surfaces in engagement with said contacts, resilient means for moving said member in the opposite direction, means for retaining said surfaces in contact engaging position after said 110 manually actuated member has been moved in said opposite direction, lock mechanism for securing said member against movement in a direction to rotate said connecter when the said surfaces are either in or out of engagement with 115 said contacts, means for releasing said retaining means, and resilient means for rotating the connecter and said surfaces in the opposite direction after said retaining means is released.

21. In a device of the class described, the combination of a housing, movable contact surfaces mounted Within said housing, an actuating inember outside said housing and operatively related to said contact surfaces for moving the surfaces Within said housing, lock mechanism for securing 125 said actuating member against movement, and means operative at will to render said lock mechanism inoperative.

22. 1n a device of the vclass described, the combination of a housing, movable contact surfaces 13G' mounted within said housing, an actuating member outside said housing and operatively related to said contact surfaces for moving the surfaces Within said housing, lock mechanism mounted in said actuating member for securing said actuating member against movement and means operative at Will for limiting the movement of said actuating member to render said lock mechanism inoperative Without eifecting the operation of said actuating member to move said contact surfaces.

DANIEL W. SHIEK. 

